Papa Bear, Little Bear

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti, c. 2008

Everyone has a father, but sadly not everyone has a dad. I've been fortunate enough to have a dad through out every step in my life, first steps, first words, homework assignments, school dances, ballet lessons, driving lessons, first heartbreak and college. Like any other family, we've had our bad moments but it's taught me a lot to appreciate. 

There's something to admire and appreciate about parents that could handle raising such a little diva like myself. Especially my dad, because rearing me couldn't have been easy. I'll admit I was quite a brat but he handled everything in the best ways that he could, for that i'm eternally grateful. We don't see eye to eye sometimes and I partially believe it has to do with his old school, south american ways of life, but it definitely helps me understand him. Yes, sometimes there's a language barrier, some words in Spanish can't actually translate into English but the one phrase that always remains the same, is love. 

The moment that will always stay with me, in my heart, was the morning before my European trip. I was traveling on my own, the first time I had ever done that and my parents were, of course worried. They were quite nervous about sending their daughter off into unknown territory but they knew it would be a great opportunity for me. Right before driving to the airport, my dad hugged me and I saw tears on his face, as he tried to hide them. My dad has too much pride to show signs of weakness and he made sure to instill that into my brother and I. It was a beautiful moment because it let me know that just how much he cares. It probably also helped that we saw Taken a few nights before! 

I'm wishing the happiest of Fathers days to everyone, I hope everyone is as blessed as I am to have had my Papi by my side growing up. From him, I have not only acquired my lead foot and love for all things to do with art but also my humor and "joie de vivre." I treasure all of those moments and hope you do too with your dads because we only get one. Dear readers, I'd love to hear your special memories, embarrassing moments, lovely moments with your dad!